Olga Loya Avila Obituary

Ojai - On September 16, 1931, in the small town of Rancho De Rosas, in Chihuahua, Mexico, amid the joyful gritos and celebrations of Mexican Independence Day, Olga came into the world. She was the middle child of twelve children born to Maria Cruz Martinez Loya and Guadalupe Loya. The significance of her being born on this day seemed to mark her for a life filled with the same spirit of joy, pride, and fierce resilience that filled the air on that day and every birthday thereafter. She grew up in Rancho De Rosas. Her parents owned the only grocery store in town, and she later became the teacher in the one-room schoolhouse. Olga is survived by her brother Refugio Loya (of Oxnard, CA) and sister Bertha Gonzalez (of El Paso, TX), and was predeceased in death by siblings Horacio, Lilia, Esther, Leonides, Leopoldo, Leonor, Leonel, Guadalupe and Emma. She was introduced to her husband, Jose Avila, by her brother Refugio.

The two married in Juarez, Chihuahua on January 16th, 1955, thereafter, they moved to El Rio, CA where all her children were born. Jose started their own company, Avila Trucking. In 1966, they purchased the land in Ojai that would soon become the heartbeat of their family. Together they laid their roots in Ojai and built their home, establishing the foundation for memories to come. Here they raised seven kids: Diana Avila, Haydie Brown (John Brown), Jaime Avila, Nancy Avila (Joey Beltran), Javier Avila, Joe Junior, and Dennis Avila (Leslie Avila). After raising her children, Olga unselfishly with love cared for Jose as he battled complications of kidney failure. She remained by his side with unwavering loyalty until his passing on November 8, 1992.

Olga now turned her focus to what we call her "Second Act," with the same fierce determination. She attended Ventura Community College and, at the age of 72, proudly received her Associate's Degree in 2004. She took great pride in running the family trucking business, especially being a woman in what then was a man's world. Olga also fulfilled another long-held wish: she traveled the world. She learned enough French to confidently order from a fancy restaurant in Paris and visited the Taj Mahal, Scotland, London, Spain, Egypt, the Czech Republic, England, Australia, Thailand, Rio Brazil, Greece, Peru, Italy, Singapore, Puerto Rico and all of Mexico and the U.S. Her favorite destination was Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olga embraced every journey with enthusiasm and a toast to Health, Wealth and Love (Salud, Dinero y Amor). Olga was an avid walker and practiced Tai Chi, and took pride in being from Chihuahua. She loved dressing up for trips to the casino and, most of all, she cherished the moments spent dancing - where her spirit truly shined. Her grandchildren-Diana's: Gabriel, Adrian, Illeana, Gerardito, Divina. Haydie's: Nicole, Belinda, Diego, Caitlin. Jaime's: Amy, Sheena, Jaime. Nancy's: Cesar, A.J., Dylan. Jr.'s: Haley Jo. Dennis': Amy, Katie Olgita, Nico.-and her 20 great-grandchildren, were all treasured dance partners at all family celebrations.

She finally slowed down her last year of life, during which she was cared for by Gabriel, Diana, Dennis, Nancy and Caregivers Paula, Evelin and Alma. Olga Avila passed away on April 17, 2025, at 4:30 AM, in the very house that tells the stories of her family. On that day, family gathered to be with her, all forming the background soundtrack as Olga's soul was gently handed from this realm into the outreached hands of Jose, her husband, Joe Avila Jr. (5/29/91) her son and his daughter Haley Jo Avila (1/8/21) her granddaughter; and all her other relatives, especially her mother of whom she spoke constantly that last year.

We say, "See you later," to the girl born in Rancho De Rosas, to the mother who laid her roots alongside the Matilija Poppies, and to the matriarch of the Avila Family.

Forever in our hearts, in the clink of our saluds, and in the twirls of our dancing.

Her Último Grito! Here on Earth, but not in Heaven.

Send flowers to:

Santa Clara Funeral Home

2370 N. H Street, Oxnard, CA 93036

https://www.santaclaramortuary.org

Viewing: Santa Clara Funeral Home, May 7th from 4 PM - 8 PM

Mass and Graveside Services: Santa Clara Funeral Home, May 8th from 11 AM - 12 PM

Celebration of Life: Her Home in Ojai on May 8th at 2 pm.